1
五年冬十月，漢王追項羽至陽夏南止軍，與齊王信、魏相國越期會擊楚，至固陵，不會。 楚擊漢軍，大破之。 漢王復入壁，深塹而守。 謂張良曰：「諸侯不從，柰何？」 良對曰：「楚兵且破，未有分地，其不至固宜。 君王能與共天下，可立致也。 齊王信之立，非君王意，信亦不自堅。 彭越本定梁地，始君王以魏豹故，拜越為相國。 今豹死，越亦望王，而君王不早定。 今能取睢陽以北至穀城皆以王彭越，從陳以東傅海與齊王信，信家在楚，其意欲復得故邑。 能出捐此地以許兩人，使各自為戰，則楚易敗也。」 於是漢王發使使韓信、彭越。 至，皆引兵來。
In the tenth month, winter, of the fifth year, the King of Han pursued Xiang Yu and halted his army south of Yangxia. He had arranged to meet King Xin of Qi and Yue, the Chancellor of Wei, to join forces in attacking Chu, but when he reached Guling, they did not arrive. Chu attacked the Han army and greatly defeated it. King Han retreated back into his fortifications, dug deep moats, and defended. He said to Zhang Liang: "The feudal lords are not following. What should we do?" Liang replied: "The Chu army is about to be broken, but they have not yet divided the land. Their failure to come is natural. If your majesty can share the world with them, they can be made to come immediately. King Qi Xin's establishment was not your majesty's intention, and Xin himself is not firm. Peng Yue originally pacified Liang territory. At first your majesty, because of Wei Bao, appointed Yue as prime minister. Now Bao is dead, and Yue also hopes to become king, but your majesty has not decided early. Now if you can take everything from Suiyang north to Gucheng and use it to make Peng Yue king, and give everything from Chen east to the sea to King Xin of Qi, Xin's family is in Chu, and he wishes to recover his former territory. If you can give up this land to satisfy these two men, letting each fight for himself, then Chu will be easy to defeat." So King Han sent envoys to Han Xin and Peng Yue. They arrived and both led troops to come.
2
十一月，劉賈入楚地，圍壽春。 漢亦遣人誘楚大司馬周殷。 殷畔楚，以舒屠六，舉九江兵迎黥布，並行屠城父，隨劉賈皆會。
In the eleventh month, Liu Jia entered Chu territory and surrounded Shouchun. Han also sent people to entice Chu grand marshal Zhou Yin. Yin rebelled against Chu, massacred Liu with Shu, raised the Jiujiang troops to welcome Qing Bu, and together marched on and massacred Chengfu, following Liu Jia as all assembled.
3
十二月，圍羽垓下。 羽夜聞漢軍四面皆楚歌，知盡得楚地，羽與數百騎走，是以兵大敗。 灌嬰追斬羽東城。 楚地悉定，獨魯不下。 漢王引天下兵欲屠之，為其守節禮義之國，乃持羽頭示其父兄，魯乃降。 初，懷王封羽為魯公，及死，魯又為之堅守，故以魯公葬羽於穀城。 漢王為發葬，哭臨而去。 封項伯等四人為列侯，賜姓劉氏。 諸民略在楚者皆歸之。 漢王還至定陶，馳入齊王信壁，奪其軍。 初項羽所立臨江王共敖前死，子尉嗣立為王，不降。 遣盧綰、劉賈擊虜尉。
In the twelfth month, they surrounded Xiang Yu at Gaixia. At night Xiang Yu heard Han troops on all four sides singing Chu songs and knew that they had taken all Chu territory. He fled with several hundred cavalry, and so his army suffered a great defeat. Guan Ying pursued and beheaded Xiang Yu at Dongcheng. Chu territory was completely pacified, only Lu did not submit. The King of Han led the troops of the world and intended to massacre them, but because Lu was a state that upheld fidelity, ritual, and righteousness, he held up Xiang Yu's head and showed it to their fathers and elder brothers. Lu then surrendered. Initially, King Huai had enfeoffed Xiang Yu as Duke of Lu, and after his death Lu again defended firmly on his behalf. Therefore Xiang Yu was buried at Gucheng as Duke of Lu. King Han conducted the funeral rites and wept at the grave before leaving. He enfeoffed Xiang Bo and three others as marquises and granted them the surname Liu. All the people who had been seized in Chu were returned. King Han returned to Dingtao and galloped into King Qi Xin's encampment, seizing his army. Initially, the Linjiang King Gong Ao whom Xiang Yu had established had died earlier. His son Wei succeeded as king and did not surrender. He sent Lu Wan and Liu Jia to attack and capture Wei.
4
春正月，追尊兄伯號曰武哀侯。 下令曰：「楚地已定，義帝亡後，欲存恤楚眾，以定其主。 齊王信習楚風俗，更立為楚王，王淮北，都下邳。 魏相國建城侯彭越勤勞魏民，卑下士卒，常以少擊眾，數破楚軍，其以魏故地王之，號曰梁王，都定陶。」 又曰：「兵不得休八年，萬民與苦甚，今天下事畢，其赦天下殊死以下。」
In the first month of spring, he posthumously honored his elder brother with the title Lord Wu'ai. He issued an order: "Chu territory is already pacified. Since the Righteous Emperor has left no heir, I wish to preserve and care for the Chu multitudes by establishing their ruler. King Qi Xin was accustomed to Chu customs, so he re-established him as King of Chu, ruling north of the Huai, capital at Xiapi. Peng Yue, Chancellor of Wei and Marquis of Jiancheng, labored diligently for the people of Wei, humbled himself before officers and soldiers, often attacked many with few, and repeatedly broke Chu armies. Let him be made king over the former Wei territory, titled King of Liang, with his capital at Dingtao." He also said: "The troops have had no rest for eight years, and the people have suffered terribly with them. Now the affairs of the realm are complete. Pardon all those sentenced to death or below."
5
於是諸侯上疏曰：「楚王韓信、韓王信、淮南王英布、梁王彭越、故衡山王吳芮、趙王張敖、燕王臧荼昧死再拜言，大王陛下：先時秦為亡道，天下誅之。 大王先得秦王，定關中，於天下功最多。 存亡定危，救敗繼絕，以安萬民，功盛德厚。 又加惠於諸侯王有功者，使得立社稷。 地分已定，而位號比儗，亡上下之分，大王功德之著，於後世不宣。 昧死再拜上皇帝尊號。」 漢王曰：「寡人聞帝者賢者有也，虛言亡實之名，非所取也。 今諸侯王皆推高寡人，將何以處之哉？」 諸侯王皆曰：「大王起於細微，滅亂秦，威動海內。 又以辟陋之地，自漢中行威德，誅不義，立有功，平定海內，功臣皆受地食邑，非私之也。 大王德施四海，諸侯王不足以道之，居帝位甚實宜，願大王以幸天下。」 漢王曰：「諸侯王幸以為便於天下之民，則可矣。」 於是諸侯王及太尉長安侯臣綰等三百人，與博士稷嗣君叔孫通謹擇良日二月甲午，上尊號。 漢王即皇帝位于氾水之陽。 尊王后曰皇后，太子曰皇太子，追尊先媼曰昭靈夫人。
So the feudal lords submitted a memorial: "Han Xin, King of Chu; Xin, King of Han; Ying Bu, King of Huainan; Peng Yue, King of Liang; Wu Rui, former King of Hengshan; Zhang Ao, King of Zhao; and Zang Tu, King of Yan, risking death, bow twice and say: Great King, Your Majesty, formerly Qin acted without the Way, and the world punished it. Your Majesty first obtained the Qin king and pacified Guanzhong. Your merit for the world is the greatest. You preserved the perishing and stabilized the endangered, rescued the defeated and continued the extinct, thereby pacifying the people. Your merit is abundant and your virtue profound. You have also bestowed favor on the feudal lords and kings who have merit, enabling them to establish their ancestral temples. The territories have already been divided and fixed, but your position and title are comparable to the others, with no distinction between superior and inferior. Your Majesty's merit and virtue are manifest, but they will not be proclaimed to later generations. Risking death, we bow twice and present the title of Emperor." King Han said: "I have heard that 'emperor' is for the worthy. An empty name without substance is not what I take. Now all the feudal lords elevate me. How should I deal with this?" All the feudal lords said: "Your Majesty rose from humble origins, destroyed the chaotic Qin, and your might shook within the seas. You also, from the remote and humble territory of Hanzhong, displayed awe and virtue, punished the unrighteous, established those with merit, and pacified all within the seas. The meritorious ministers all received lands and fiefs. This was not private favor. Your Majesty's virtue extends to the four seas. The title of feudal king is insufficient to express it. It is truly fitting that you occupy the imperial position. We ask Your Majesty to favor the world." King Han said: "If the feudal lords consider it convenient for the world's people, then it is acceptable." So the feudal lords and Grand Marshal Lord Chang'an Chen Wan and 300 others, together with Erudite Ji, Successor Lord Shusun Tong, carefully chose an auspicious day, the jiawu day of the second month, and presented the honored title. King Han ascended the imperial throne at Fenshui's northern bank. He honored the queen as empress, the crown prince as imperial crown prince, and posthumously honored his late mother as Lady Zhaoling.
6
詔曰：「故衡山王吳芮與子二人、兄子一人，從百粵之兵，以佐諸侯，誅暴秦，有大功，諸侯立以為王。 項羽侵奪之地，謂之番君。 其以長沙、豫章、象郡、桂林、南海立番君芮為長沙王。」 又曰：「故粵王亡諸世奉粵祀，秦侵奪其地，使其社稷不得血食。 諸侯伐秦，亡諸身帥閩中兵以佐滅秦，項羽廢而弗立。 今以為閩粵王，王閩中地，勿使失職。」
The edict said: "The former King of Hengshan, Wu Rui, with two sons and one nephew, led Baiyue troops to assist the feudal lords in punishing the violent Qin and had great merit. The feudal lords established him as king. Xiang Yu invaded and seized his territory, calling him Fan Jun. Enfeoff Fan Jun Wu Rui as King of Changsha with Changsha, Yuzhang, Xiangjun, Guilin, and Nanhai." He also said: "The former Yue king Wuzhu has for generations maintained the Yue sacrifices. Qin invaded and seized his territory, causing his altars of soil and grain to lack blood offerings. When the feudal lords attacked Qin, Wuzhu personally led the Minzhong troops to assist in destroying Qin. Xiang Yu deposed him and did not establish him. Now establish them as King of Minyue, ruling Minzhong territory, do not let them lose their office."
7
帝乃西都洛陽。 夏五月，兵皆罷歸家。 詔曰：「諸侯子在關中者，復之十二歲，其歸者半之。 民前或相聚保山澤，不書名數，今天下已定，令各歸其縣，復故爵田宅，吏以文法教訓辨告，勿笞辱。 民以飢餓自賣為人奴婢者，皆免為庶人。 軍吏卒會赦，其亡罪而亡爵及不滿大夫者，皆賜爵為大夫。 故大夫以上賜爵各一級，其七大夫以上，皆令食邑，非七大夫以下，皆復其身及戶，勿事。」 又曰：「七大夫、公乘以上，皆高爵也。 諸侯子及從軍歸者，甚多高爵，吾數詔吏先與田宅，及所當求於吏者，亟與。 爵或人君，上所尊禮，久立吏前，曾不為決，甚亡謂也。 異日秦民爵公大夫以上，令丞與亢禮。 今吾於爵非輕也，吏獨安取此！ 且法以有功勞行田宅，今小吏未嘗從軍者多滿，而有功者顧不得，背公立私，守尉長吏教訓甚不善。 其令諸吏善遇高爵，稱吾意。 且廉問，有不如吾詔者，以重論之。」
The emperor then established his western capital at Luoyang. In the fifth month of summer, all troops were disbanded and sent home. The edict said: "Feudal lords' sons in Guanzhong are exempted from taxes for 12 years. Those who return are exempted for half that. Some people previously gathered to protect themselves in mountains and marshes and did not register their names and numbers. Now that the realm is settled, order each to return to his county, and restore his former rank, fields, and home. Officials shall teach and inform them by written laws, and must not beat or humiliate them. People who sold themselves as slaves or concubines due to starvation are all freed as commoners. Military officers and soldiers who assembled for the amnesty - those without crime but without rank or below the rank of Grand Master are all granted the rank of Grand Master. Therefore, those ranked Grandee and above were each granted one noble rank. Those at Seventh Grandee and above were all given fiefs, while those below Seventh Grandee were exempted from service, together with their households." He also said: "Seventh rank Grand Master and public chariot driver and above are all high ranks. The sons of feudal lords and those returning from military service include many men of high rank. I have repeatedly commanded the officials to give them fields and homes first, and whatever they are entitled to seek from the officials, to provide it promptly. Ranks are from the ruler, honored by superiors. Standing long before officials, not deciding, is very improper. In former days Qin people with ranks of public official and Grand Master and above, the county magistrate and assistant treated them with equal ceremony. Now I do not treat ranks lightly. How can officials arbitrarily take this! Moreover, the law assigns fields and homes according to merit and service. Now many minor officials who never served in the army have received their full share, while those with merit instead receive nothing. This turns away from the public and establishes private interest, and the instruction given by commandery and county officials is very improper. Command all officials to treat high ranks well, according with my intention. Moreover, inquire strictly. Those who do not follow my edict, judge them severely."
8
帝置酒雒陽南宮。 上曰：「通侯諸將毋敢隱朕，皆言其情。 吾所以有天下者何？ 項氏之所以失天下者何？」 高起、王陵對曰：「陛下嫚而侮人，項羽仁而敬人。 然陛下使人攻城略地，所降下者，因以與之，與天下同利也。 項羽妒賢嫉能，有功者害之，賢者疑之，戰勝而不與人功，得地而不與人利，此其所以失天下也。」 上曰：「公知其一，未知其二。 夫運籌帷幄之中，決勝千里之外，吾不如子房； 填國家，撫百姓，給餉餽，不絕糧道，吾不如蕭何； 連百萬之眾，戰必勝，攻必取，吾不如韓信。 三者皆人傑，吾能用之，此吾所以取天下者也。 項羽有一范增而不能用，此所以為我禽也。」 群臣說服。
The emperor held a banquet in Luoyang's southern palace. The emperor said: "Noble marquises and generals, do not dare conceal from me. All speak your true feelings. Why did I obtain the world? Why did the Xiang clan lose the world?" Gao Qi and Wang Ling replied: "Your Majesty is casual and insults people. Xiang Yu is benevolent and respects people. However, when Your Majesty sends people to attack cities and seize territory, those who surrender are given it, sharing the world's benefits with them. Xiang Yu was jealous of the worthy and envious of the able. He harmed those with merit and doubted the worthy. He won battles but did not share credit with others; he obtained land but did not share its benefits. This is why he lost the world." The emperor said: "You know one aspect, but not the other. Planning strategy within the command tent, deciding victory a thousand miles away - I am not equal to Zifang. Filling the state treasury, comforting the people, providing supplies without interruption, maintaining the grain routes - I am not equal to Xiao He. Commanding a million troops, fighting must win, attacking must take - I am not equal to Han Xin. These three are all outstanding men. I can employ them. This is why I obtained the world. Xiang Yu had one Fan Zeng but could not employ him. This is why he was captured by me." The ministers were all convinced.
9
初，田橫歸彭越。 項羽已滅，橫懼誅，與賓客亡入海。 上恐其久為亂，遣使者赦橫，曰：「橫來，大者王，小者侯； 不來，且發兵加誅。」 橫懼，乘傳詣雒陽，未至三十里，自殺。 上壯其節，為流涕，發卒二千人，以王禮葬焉。
Initially, Tian Heng had gone to Peng Yue. Xiang Yu had already been destroyed. Heng feared execution and fled to the sea with his retainers. The emperor feared that he would cause disorder for a long time, so he sent an envoy to pardon Heng, saying: "If Heng comes, at the highest he will be king, at the lowest marquis. If he does not come, I will send troops to execute him." Heng was afraid and rode the imperial relay to Luoyang. Thirty li from arriving, he committed suicide. The emperor admired his integrity and shed tears. He sent 2,000 troops and buried him with kingly rites.
10
戍卒婁敬求見，說上曰：「陛下取天下與周異，而都雒陽，不便，不如入關，據秦之固。」 上以問張良，良因勸上。 是日，車駕西都長安。 拜婁敬為奉春君，賜姓劉氏。 六月壬辰，大赦天下。
The garrison soldier Lou Jing sought an audience and advised the emperor: "Your Majesty obtained the world differently from Zhou, and establishing the capital at Luoyang is unsuitable. It would be better to enter the passes and occupy Qin's strongholds." The emperor asked Zhang Liang, who then advised the emperor. That day, the imperial chariot went west to establish the capital at Chang'an. He appointed Lou Jing as Lord Fengchun and granted him the surname Liu. In the sixth month on the day renchen, there was a great amnesty for the world.
11
秋七月，燕王臧荼反，上自將征之。 九月，虜荼。 詔諸侯王視有功者立以為燕王。 荊王臣信等十人皆曰：「太尉長安侯盧綰功最多，請立以為燕王。」 使丞相噲將兵平代地。
In the seventh month of autumn, King Yan Zang Tu rebelled. The emperor personally led troops to campaign against him. In the ninth month, he captured Tu. He commanded the feudal lords to examine those with merit and establish one as King of Yan. Chen Xin, minister of the King of Jing, and ten others all said: "Grand Marshal Lu Wan, Marquis of Chang'an, has the most merit. Please establish him as King of Yan." He sent Chancellor Kuai to lead troops and pacify Dai territory.
12
利幾反，上自擊破之。 利幾者，項羽將。 羽敗，利幾為陳令，降，上侯之潁川。 上至雒陽，舉通侯籍召之，而利幾恐，反。
Li Ji rebelled. The emperor personally attacked and defeated him. Li Ji was Xiang Yu's general. Yu was defeated. Li Ji became magistrate of Chen and surrendered. The emperor enfeoffed him in Yingchuan. The emperor reached Luoyang and examined the noble marquises' registers to summon him, but Li Ji feared and rebelled.
13
後九月，徙諸侯子關中。 治長樂宮。 六年冬十月，令天下縣邑城。
Nine months later, he moved the feudal lords' sons to Guanzhong. He constructed the Changlegong Palace. In the tenth month of winter in the sixth year, he commanded all counties and towns in the world to build walls.
14
人告楚王信謀反，上問左右，左右爭欲擊之。 用陳平計，乃偽游雲夢。 十二月，會諸侯于陳，楚王信迎謁，因執之。 詔曰：「
Someone informed that King Chu Han Xin was plotting rebellion. The emperor asked his attendants. The attendants all wished to attack him. Using Chen Ping's plan, he pretended to tour Yunmeng. In the twelfth month, he assembled the feudal lords at Chen. King Chu Xin came to greet him, and he arrested him. The edict said, “
15
天下既安，豪桀有功者封侯，新立，未能盡圖其功。 身居軍九年，或未習法令，或以其故犯法，大者死刑，吾甚憐之。 其赦天下。」 田肯賀上曰：「甚善，陛下得韓信，又治秦中。 秦，形勝之國也，帶河阻山，縣隔千里，持戟百萬，秦得百二焉。 地勢便利，其以下兵於諸侯，譬猶居高屋之上建瓴水也。 夫齊，東有琅邪、即墨之饒，南有泰山之固，西有濁河之限，北有勃海之利，地方二千里，持戟百萬，縣隔千里之外，齊得十二焉。 此東西秦也。 非親子弟，莫可使王齊者。」 上曰：「善。」 賜金五百斤。 上還至雒陽，赦韓信，封為淮陰侯。
The world is now pacified. The heroic and outstanding men with merit have been enfeoffed as marquises, but since the dynasty is newly established, I have not yet been able to account fully for their merit. They have spent nine years in the army. Some are not yet accustomed to the laws and commands, or because of old habits violate the law. In serious cases they receive death penalties. I pity them greatly. Pardon the world." Tian Ken congratulated the emperor: "Very good. Your Majesty has obtained Han Xin and also governs Qinzhong. Qin is a state of advantageous terrain. It is girded by the river and protected by mountains, suspended apart for a thousand li, and could hold off a million halberds with only two men against a hundred. The terrain is advantageous. Sending troops from there down upon the feudal lords is like pouring water from a jar while standing on a high roof. Qi to the east has the riches of Langya and Jimo, to the south the strength of Mount Tai, to the west the barrier of the Zhuo River, and to the north the advantage of the Bohai Sea. Its territory is two thousand li square and could hold off a million halberds; set apart for a thousand li, Qi obtains the advantage of twelve against a hundred. This is the eastern Qin. If not a close relative, no one can be made king of Qi." The emperor said: "Good." He granted five hundred jin of gold. The emperor returned to Luoyang, pardoned Han Xin, and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Huaiyin.
16
甲申，始剖符封功臣曹參等為通侯。 詔曰：「齊，古之建國也，今為郡縣，其復以為諸侯。 將軍劉賈數有大功，及擇寬惠脩絜者，王齊、荊地。」 春正月丙午，韓王信等奏請以故東陽郡、鄣郡、吳郡五十三縣立劉賈為荊王，以碭郡、薛郡、郯郡三十六縣立弟文信君交為楚王。 壬子，以雲中、鴈門、代郡五十三縣立兄宜信侯喜為代王，以膠東、膠西、臨淄、濟北、博陽、城陽郡七十三縣立子肥為齊王，以太原郡三十一縣為韓國，徙韓王信都晉陽。
On the day jiashen, he first divided tallies and enfeoffed meritorious ministers Cao Shen and others as noble marquises. The edict said: "Qi is an ancient established state. Now it is commanderies and counties. Restore it as feudal lords. General Liu Jia has repeatedly had great merit. Choose one who is lenient, benevolent, and pure to be king of Qi and Jing territories." In the first month, spring, on the bingwu day, King Xin of Han and others petitioned to establish Liu Jia as King of Jing with the former Dongyang, Zhang, and Wu commanderies, fifty-three counties in all, and to establish the emperor's younger brother Jiao, Lord Wenxin, as King of Chu with Dang, Xue, and Tan commanderies, thirty-six counties in all. On the renzi day, he established his elder brother Xi, Marquis of Yixin, as King of Dai with Yunzhong, Yanmen, and Dai commanderies, fifty-three counties in all; established his son Fei as King of Qi with Jiaodong, Jiaoxi, Linzi, Jibei, Boyang, and Chengyang commanderies, seventy-three counties in all; made the thirty-one counties of Taiyuan commandery into the Han kingdom; and moved King Xin of Han to set his capital at Jinyang.
17
上已封大功臣三十餘人，其餘爭功，未得行封。 上居南宮，從復道上見諸將往往耦語，以問張良。 良曰：「陛下與此屬共取天下，今已為天子，而所封皆故人所愛，所誅皆平生仇怨。 今軍吏計功，以天下為不足用遍封，而恐以過失及誅，故相聚謀反耳。」 上曰：「為之奈何？」 良曰：「取上素所不快，計群臣所共知最甚者一人，先封以示群臣。」 三月，上置酒，封雍齒，因趣丞相急定功行封。 罷酒，群臣皆喜，曰：「雍齒且侯，吾屬亡患矣！」
The emperor had already enfeoffed over thirty great meritorious ministers. The rest contended for merit and had not yet received enfeoffment. The emperor resided in the Southern Palace. From the raised passageway above, he saw the generals often talking in pairs and asked Zhang Liang about it. Zhang Liang said: "Your Majesty took the world together with these men. Now you are emperor, but those you enfeoff are all old friends you love, and those you execute are all lifelong enemies. Now the army officers are calculating merit, considering even the whole world insufficient to enfeoff everyone, and fear that their faults will lead to execution, so they gather to plot rebellion." The emperor said: "What should be done?" Zhang Liang said: "Take someone whom Your Majesty has always disliked, and whom the ministers all know offended you most severely, and enfeoff him first to show the ministers." In the third month, the emperor held a banquet and enfeoffed Yong Chi. He then urged the Chancellor to determine merit quickly and carry out the enfeoffments. The banquet ended. All the ministers were happy, saying: "Even Yong Chi is made marquis. We have no worries!"
18
上歸櫟陽，五日一朝太公。 太公家令說太公曰：「天亡二日，土亡二王。 皇帝雖子，人主也； 太公雖父，人臣也。 奈何令人主拜人臣！ 如此，則威重不行。」 後上朝，太公擁彗，迎門卻行。 上大驚，下扶太公。 太公曰：「帝，人主，奈何以我亂天下法！」 於是上心善家令言，賜黃金五百斤。 夏五月丙午，詔曰：「人之至親，莫親於父子，故父有天下傳歸於子，子有天下尊歸於父，此人道之極也。 前日天下大亂，兵革並起，萬民苦殃，朕親被堅執銳，自帥士卒，犯危難，平暴亂，立諸侯，偃兵息民，天下大安，此皆太公之教訓也。 諸王、通侯、將軍、群卿、大夫已尊朕為皇帝，而太公未有號。 今上尊太公曰太上皇。」
The emperor returned to Queyang. He visited the Duke of Tai every five days. The Duke of Tai's household steward advised the Duke of Tai: "Heaven has no two suns, earth has no two kings. The emperor is son, but is the ruler. The Duke of Tai is father, but is a subject. How can you make the ruler bow to a subject! If you do this, then imperial authority will not be carried out." Later when the emperor came to court, the Duke of Tai held a broom and went backwards to meet him at the gate. The emperor was greatly shocked and got down to support the Duke of Tai. The Duke of Tai said: "The emperor is the ruler of men. How can you disorder the world's laws for my sake!" So the emperor in his heart approved of the household steward's words and granted five hundred jin of gold. In the fifth month, summer, on the bingwu day, the edict said: "Among human relations, none is closer than father and son. Therefore, when the father has the world, he transmits it to the son; when the son has the world, honor returns to the father. This is the highest point of the human way. Previously the world was in great disorder, weapons and armor rose together, and the people suffered calamity. I personally wore armor and grasped sharp weapons, personally led the officers and soldiers, faced danger and difficulty, pacified violent disorder, established the feudal lords, laid down arms and gave the people rest, and brought great peace to the world. This is all due to the teaching and instruction of the Taigong. The various kings, noble marquises, generals, ministers, and grandees have honored me as emperor, but the Duke of Tai has no title. Now I honor the Duke of Tai as Taishang Huang."
19
秋九月，匈奴圍韓王信於馬邑，信降匈奴。
In the ninth month of autumn, the Xiongnu besieged King Han Xin at Mayi. Xin surrendered to the Xiongnu.
20
七年冬十月，上自將擊韓王信於銅鞮，斬其將。 信亡走匈奴，與其將曼丘臣、王黃共立故趙後趙利為王，收信散兵，與匈奴共距漢。 上從晉陽連戰，乘勝逐北，至樓煩，會大寒，士卒墮指者什二三。 遂至平城，為匈奴所圍，七日，用陳平祕計得出。 使樊噲留定代地。
In the tenth month, winter, of the seventh year, the emperor personally led troops to attack King Xin of Han at Tongdi, beheading his generals. Xin fled to the Xiongnu, and together with his generals Manqiu Chen and Wang Huang established Zhao Li, a descendant of the former Zhao, as king. They gathered Xin's scattered troops and, together with the Xiongnu, resisted Han. From Jinyang the emperor fought consecutive battles, pursued the defeated enemy on the strength of his victories, and reached Loufan. Encountering extreme cold, two or three soldiers in ten lost fingers to frostbite. He arrived at Pingcheng and was surrounded by the Xiongnu for seven days. Using Chen Ping's secret plan, he got out. He sent Fan Kuai to remain and pacify Dai territory.
21
十二月，上還過趙，不禮趙王。 是月，匈奴攻代，代王喜棄國，自歸雒陽，赦為合陽侯。 辛卯，立子如意為代王。
In the twelfth month, the emperor returned passing through Zhao and did not show courtesy to King Zhao. This month, the Xiongnu attacked Dai. Xi, King of Dai, abandoned the kingdom and returned on his own to Luoyang. He was pardoned and made Marquis of Heyang. On the day xinsi, he established son Ruyi as King of Dai.
22
春，令郎中有罪耐以上，請之。 民產子，復勿事二歲。
In spring, he commanded that palace gentlemen with punishments of tattooing or above could redeem themselves. People who gave birth to children were exempted from service for two years.
23
二月，至長安。 蕭何治未央宮，立東闕、北闕、前殿、武庫、大倉。 上見其壯麗，甚怒，謂何曰：「天下匈匈，勞苦數歲，成敗未可知，是何治宮室過度也！」 何曰：「天下方未定，故可因以就宮室。 且夫天子以四海為家，非令壯麗亡以重威，且亡令後世有以加也。」 上說。 自櫟陽徙都長安。 置宗正宮以序九族。 夏四月，行如雒陽。
In the second month, he arrived at Chang'an. Xiao He had constructed the Weiyang Palace, establishing the eastern gate, northern gate, front hall, armory, and great granary. The emperor saw its grandeur and was greatly angered. He said to Xiao He: "The world is in turmoil, we have labored bitterly for several years, and success or failure is not yet known. Why have you constructed palace buildings to such excess!" He said: "The world is not yet settled, so it is suitable to take advantage of this to complete the palace rooms. Moreover, the Son of Heaven takes the four seas as his home. If it is not grand, there is no way to give weight to authority; and if it is not grand, future generations will have nothing to add." The emperor was pleased. He moved the capital from Queyang to Chang'an. He established the Palace of Imperial Clan Affairs to order the nine clans. In the fourth month of summer, he traveled to Luoyang.
24
八年冬，上東擊韓信餘寇於東垣。 還過趙，趙相貫高等恥上不禮其王，陰謀欲弒上。 上欲宿，心動，問「縣名何？」 曰：「柏人。」 上曰：「柏人者，迫於人也。」 去弗宿。
In the winter of the eighth year, the emperor went east to attack the remaining bandits of Han Xin at Dongyuan. On the return, as the emperor passed through Zhao, Zhao Chancellor Guan Gao and the others were ashamed that he had shown no courtesy to their king, and secretly plotted to assassinate him. The emperor wanted to stay overnight. His heart was moved. He asked "What is the county name?" They said: "Boren." The emperor said: "Boren means 'pressed by people.'" He left and did not stay.
25
十一月，令士卒從軍死者為槥，歸其縣，縣給衣衾棺葬具，祠以少牢，長吏視葬。 十二月，行自東垣至。
In the eleventh month, he ordered that soldiers who died while following the army should be given simple coffins and returned to their counties, with the counties providing burial clothes, shrouds, coffins, and funeral implements. They were to be sacrificed to with a lesser offering, and the chief officials were to oversee the burial. In the twelfth month, he traveled from Dongyuan to arrive.
26
春三月，行如雒陽。 令吏卒從軍至平城及守城邑者皆復終身勿事。 爵非公乘以上毋得冠劉氏冠。 賈人毋得衣錦繡綺縠絺紵钛，操兵，乘騎馬。 秋八月，吏有罪未發覺者，赦之。 九月，行自雒陽至，淮南王、梁王、趙王、楚王皆從。
In the third month of spring, he traveled to Luoyang. He commanded that officials and soldiers who had followed the army to Pingcheng or guarded the walled cities should all be exempted from service for life. Ranks below public chariot driver should not wear Liu clan caps. Merchants should not wear brocade, embroidered silk, fine gauze, or thin silk, handle weapons, or ride horses. In the eighth month of autumn, officials with crimes not yet discovered were pardoned. In the ninth month, he arrived after traveling from Luoyang. The King of Huainan, the King of Liang, the King of Zhao, and the King of Chu all followed.
27
九年冬十月，淮南王、梁王、趙王、楚王朝未央宮，置酒前殿。 上奉玉卮為太上皇壽，曰：「始大人常以臣亡賴，不能治產業，不如仲力。 今某之業所就孰與仲多？」 殿上群臣皆稱萬歲，大笑為樂。
In the tenth month, winter, of the ninth year, the King of Huainan, the King of Liang, the King of Zhao, and the King of Chu paid court at Weiyang Palace. A banquet was held in the front hall. The emperor raised a jade goblet to toast the Taishang Huang, saying: "At first, Father often said that I was worthless and could not manage property, unlike my elder brother Zhong in ability. Now whose achievement that I have accomplished is greater, mine or brother Zhong's?" The ministers in the hall all shouted ten thousand years and laughed with great joy.
28
十一月，徙齊楚大族昭氏、屈氏、景氏、懷氏、田氏五姓關中，與利田宅。 十二月，行如雒陽。 貫高等謀逆發覺，逮捕高等，并捕趙王敖下獄。 詔敢有隨王，罪三族。 郎中田叔、孟舒等十人自髡鉗為王家奴，從王就獄。 王實不知其謀。 春正月，廢趙王敖為宣平侯。 徙代王如意為趙王，王趙國。 丙寅，前有罪殊死以下，皆赦之。
In the eleventh month, he moved the great clans of Qi and Chu, the Zhao, Qu, Jing, Huai, and Tian surnames, to Guanzhong and gave them advantageous fields and homes. In the twelfth month, he traveled to Luoyang. Guan Gao and the others' treasonous plot was discovered. Gao and the others were arrested, and Zhang Ao, King of Zhao, was also arrested and imprisoned. The edict commanded that anyone who followed the king would have their three clans executed. Palace gentlemen Tian Shu, Meng Shu, and ten others shaved their heads and wore cangues, making themselves the king's household slaves and following him to prison. The king truly did not know of their plot. In the first month of spring, he deposed King Zhao Ao as Marquis of Xuanping. He moved King Dai Ruyi to become King of Zhao, ruling the Zhao kingdom. On the day bingyin, all those previously sentenced to death or below were pardoned.
29
二月，行自雒陽至。 賢趙臣田叔、孟舒等十人，召見與語，漢廷臣無能出其右者。 上說，盡拜為郡守、諸侯相。
In the second month, he traveled from Luoyang to arrive. He regarded the worthy Zhao ministers Tian Shu, Meng Shu, and ten others highly, summoned them to audience, and spoke with them. Among the Han court ministers, none could surpass them. The emperor was pleased and appointed them all as commandery governors and feudal lord prime ministers.
30
夏六月乙未晦，日有食之。
In the sixth month of summer on the last day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.
31
十年冬十月，淮南王、燕王、荊王、梁王、楚王、齊王、長沙王來朝。
In the tenth month, winter, of the tenth year, the King of Huainan, the King of Yan, the King of Jing, the King of Liang, the King of Chu, the King of Qi, and the King of Changsha all came to court.
32
夏五月，太上皇后崩。 秋七月癸卯，太上皇崩，葬萬年。 赦櫟陽囚死罪以下。 八月，令諸侯王皆立太上皇廟于國都。
In the fifth month of summer, the Taishang Empress passed away. In the seventh month of autumn on the day guimao, the Taishang Huang passed away and was buried at Wannian. He pardoned death sentences and below for prisoners in Queyang. In the eighth month, he commanded all feudal lords to establish Taishang Huang temples in their capitals.
33
九月，代相國陳豨反。 上曰：「豨嘗為吾使，甚有信。 代地吾所急，故封豨為列侯，以相國守代，今乃與王黃等劫掠代地！ 吏民非有罪也，能去豨、黃來歸者，皆赦之。」 上自東，至邯鄲。 上喜曰：「豨不南據邯鄲而阻漳水，吾知其亡能為矣。」 趙相周昌奏常山二十五城亡其二十城，請誅守尉。 上曰：「守尉反乎？」 對曰：「不。」 上曰：「是力不足，亡罪。」 上令周昌選趙壯士可令將者，白見四人。 上嫚罵曰：「豎子能為將乎！」 四人慚，皆伏地。 上封各千戶，以為將。 左右諫曰：「從入蜀漢，伐楚，賞未遍行，今封此，何功？」 上曰：「非汝所知。 陳豨反，趙代地皆豨有。 吾以羽檄徵天下兵，未有至者，今計唯獨邯鄲中兵耳。 吾何愛四千戶，不以慰趙子弟！」 皆曰：「善。」 又求「樂毅有後乎？」 得其孫叔，封之樂鄉，號華成君。 問豨將，皆故賈人。 上曰：「吾知與之矣。」 乃多以金購豨將，豨將多降。
In the ninth month, Dai prime minister Chen Xi rebelled. The emperor said: "Xi once served as my envoy and was very trustworthy. Dai territory is what concerns me urgently, so I enfeoffed Xi as a ranked marquis and had him guard Dai as Chancellor. Now he has joined Wang Huang and others in plundering Dai territory! Officials and people have no crime. Those who can leave Xi and Huang and return will all be pardoned." The emperor went east himself and arrived at Handan. The emperor was pleased and said: "Xi has not gone south to occupy Handan and block the Zhang River. I know he is incapable of doing anything." Zhao prime minister Zhou Chang memorialized that of Changshan's twenty-five cities, twenty cities were lost, requesting execution of the guards and commandants. The emperor said: "Did the guards and commandants rebel?" He replied: "No." The emperor said: "Then their strength was insufficient. No crime." The emperor commanded Zhou Chang to select Zhao warriors who could be made generals. He presented four men. The emperor insulted them saying: "You bastards can be generals?" The four were ashamed and all prostrated themselves. The emperor enfeoffed each with a thousand households and made them generals. His attendants advised: "From entering Shu and Han, attacking Chu, rewards have not been universally distributed. Now enfeoffing these, what merit do they have?" The emperor said: "This is not what you know. Chen Xi has rebelled. Zhao and Dai territories are all Xi's. I have summoned troops from the world with urgent dispatches, but none have arrived yet. Now my only hope is the troops in Handan. Why should I begrudge four thousand households? I will not use them to console the Zhao youths!" They all said: "Good." He also asked: "Does Yue Yi have descendants?" He obtained his grandson Shu and enfeoffed him at Yuexiang, titled Lord Huacheng. He questioned Xi's generals. They were all former merchants. The emperor said: "I know how to deal with them." So he used much gold to buy Xi's generals. Xi's generals mostly surrendered.
34
十一年冬，上在邯鄲。 豨將侯敞將萬餘人游行，王黃將騎千餘軍曲逆，張春將卒萬餘人度河攻聊城。 漢將軍郭蒙與齊將擊，大破之。 太尉周勃道太原入定代地，至馬邑，馬邑不下，攻殘之。 豨將趙利守東垣，高祖攻之不下。 卒罵，上怒。 城降，卒罵者斬之。 諸縣堅守不降反寇者，復租賦三歲。
In the eleventh year winter, the emperor was at Handan. Xi's general Hou Chang led more than ten thousand men in roaming operations, Wang Huang led more than a thousand cavalry to camp at Quni, and Zhang Chun led more than ten thousand soldiers across the river to attack Liaocheng. Han general Guo Meng together with Qi generals attacked and greatly defeated them. Grand marshal Zhou Bo took the Taiyuan route to pacify Dai territory, reaching Mayi. Mayi did not submit, so he attacked and devastated it. Xi's general Zhao Li defended Dongyuan. Gaozu attacked but could not take it. The soldiers cursed. The emperor was angry. The city surrendered. The cursing soldiers were executed. The various counties that firmly defended and did not surrender to the rebel bandits had their taxes and levies exempted for three years.
35
春正月，淮陰侯韓信謀反長安，夷三族。 將軍柴武斬韓王信於參合。
In the first month of spring, Marquis of Huaiyin Han Xin plotted rebellion at Chang'an and his three clans were exterminated. General Chai Wu beheaded King Han Xin at Canhe.
36
上還雒陽。 詔曰：「代地居常山之北，與夷狄邊，趙乃從山南有之，遠，數有胡寇，難以為國。 頗取山南太原之地益屬代，代之雲中以西為雲中郡，則代受邊寇益少矣。 王、相國、通侯、吏二千石擇可立為代王者。」 燕王綰、相國何等三十三人皆曰：「子恆賢知溫良，請立以為代王，都晉陽。」 大赦天下。
The emperor returned to Luoyang. The edict said: "Dai territory lies north of Changshan, bordering the Yi and Di barbarians. Zhao controls it from south of the mountains, which is distant. There are frequent Hu incursions, making it difficult to maintain as a kingdom. Take a portion of Taiyuan territory south of the mountains and add it to Dai. Make Dai's territory from Yunzhong westward into Yunzhong commandery, and Dai will suffer fewer border raids. Kings, prime ministers, noble marquises, officials of two thousand piculs, select who can be established as King of Dai." King Wan of Yan, Chancellor Xiao He, and thirty-three others all said: "The son Heng is worthy, wise, gentle, and kind. Please establish him as King of Dai, with his capital at Jinyang." There was a great amnesty for the world.
37
二月，詔曰：「欲省賦甚。 今獻未有程，吏或多賦以為獻，而諸侯王尤多，民疾之。 令諸侯王、通侯常以十月朝獻，及郡各以其口數率，人歲六十三錢，以給獻費。」 又曰：「蓋聞王者莫高於周文，伯者莫高於齊桓，皆待賢人而成名。 今天下賢者智能豈特古之人乎？ 患在人主不交故也，士奚由進！ 今吾以天之靈，賢士大夫定有天下，以為一家，欲其長久，世世奉宗廟亡絕也。 賢人已與我共平之矣，而不與吾共安利之，可乎？ 賢士大夫有肯從我游者，吾能尊顯之。 布告天下，使明知朕意。 御史大夫昌下相國，相國酇侯下諸侯王，御史中執法下郡守，其有意稱明德者，必身勸，為之駕，遣詣相國府，署行、義、年。 有而弗言，覺，免。 年老癃病，勿遣。」
In the second month, the edict said: "I desire to reduce levies greatly. Now tribute has no standard. Officials sometimes impose heavy levies to make offerings, and the feudal kings are especially excessive. The people suffer from this. Order the feudal kings and the full marquises regularly to make court offerings in the tenth month, and the commanderies each to assess according to their population, sixty-three cash per person each year, to provide for the offering expenses." He also said: "I have heard that among kings none was higher than King Wen of Zhou, and among hegemons none was higher than Duke Huan of Qi. All relied on worthy men to achieve their fame. Now in the world, are worthy men and the wise inferior to ancient people? The trouble is that rulers do not associate with them. How can scholars advance! Now I, by Heaven's blessing and together with worthy scholars and grandees, have pacified the world and made it one family. I wish it to last long, generation after generation serving the ancestral temples without end. Worthy men have already helped me pacify it, but do not help me secure and benefit it. Is this acceptable? Worthy scholars and grandees who are willing to follow me, I can honor and make eminent. Proclaim to the world, so they clearly know my intention. The Censor-in-Chief Chang shall transmit this to the Chancellor, the Chancellor, Marquis of Zan, shall transmit it to the feudal kings, and the Palace Assistant Imperial Clerk shall transmit it to the commandery governors. Those who know men of manifest virtue must personally encourage them, prepare carriages for them, send them to the Chancellor's office, and register their conduct, righteousness, and age. If they have them but do not report, when discovered, they are dismissed. If old and ill, do not send."
38
三月，梁王彭越謀反，夷三族。 詔曰：「擇可以為梁王、淮陽王者。」 燕王綰、相國何等請立子恢為梁王，子友為淮陽王。 罷東郡，頗益梁； 罷潁川郡，頗益淮陽。
In the third month, King Liang Peng Yue plotted rebellion and his three clans were exterminated. The edict said: "Select who can be King of Liang, King of Huaiyang." King Yan Wan, prime minister He and others requested establishing son Hui as King of Liang, son You as King of Huaiyang. Abolished Dong commandery, added much to Liang. Abolished Yingchuan commandery, added much to Huaiyang.
39
夏四月，行自雒陽至。 令豐人徙關中者皆復終身。
In the fourth month of summer, he traveled from Luoyang to arrive. He commanded that Feng people who moved to Guanzhong all be exempted from service for life.
40
五月，詔曰：「粵人之俗，好相攻擊，前時秦徙中縣之民南方三郡，使與百粵雜處。 會天下誅秦，南海尉它居南方長治之，甚有文理，中縣人以故不耗減，粵人相攻擊之俗益止，俱賴其力。 今立它為南粵王。」 使陸賈即授璽綬。 它稽首稱臣。 六月，令士卒從入蜀、漢、關中者皆復終身。
In the fifth month, the edict said: "The customs of the Yue people favor attacking one another. Previously Qin moved people from the central counties to the three southern commanderies and had them live among the Baiyue. When the world punished Qin, Zhao Tuo, Commandant of Nanhai, remained in the south and governed it for a long time with considerable order and pattern. The people from the central counties therefore were not diminished, and the Yue custom of attacking one another increasingly ceased. Both groups relied on his strength. Now establish Zhao Tuo as King of Nanyue." He sent Lu Jia to personally confer the seal and tassels. Zhao Tuo kowtowed and called himself subject. In the sixth month, he commanded that soldiers who entered Shu, Han, Guanzhong all be exempted from service for life.
41
秋七月，淮南王布反。 上問諸將，滕公言故楚令尹薛公有籌策。 上見公，薛公言布形勢，上善之，封薛公千戶。 詔王、相國擇可立為淮南王者，群臣請立子長為王。 上乃發上郡、北地、隴西車騎，巴蜀材官及中尉卒三萬人為皇太子衛，軍霸上。 布果如薛公言，東擊殺荊王劉賈，劫其兵，度淮擊楚，楚王交走入薛。 上赦天下死罪以下，皆令從軍； 徵諸侯兵，上自將以擊布。
In the seventh month of autumn, King Huainan Ying Bu rebelled. The emperor asked the generals. Teng Gong spoke of the former Chu prime minister Xue Gong who had strategy. The emperor saw Xue Gong. Xue Gong spoke of Ying Bu's situation. The emperor approved it and enfeoffed Xue Gong with a thousand households. He commanded the kings and chancellors to select someone who could be established as King of Huainan. The ministers requested that his son Chang be established as king. The emperor then dispatched chariots and cavalry from Shang commandery, Beidi, and Longxi, along with trained soldiers from Ba and Shu and soldiers of the Commandant, 30,000 men in all, to serve as guard for the imperial crown prince, encamping at Bashang. Ying Bu indeed did as Xue Gong had said: he attacked eastward and killed Liu Jia, King of Jing, seized his troops, and crossed the Huai to attack Chu. Jiao, King of Chu, fled into Xue. The emperor pardoned all death sentences and below, all commanded to follow the army. He summoned the feudal lords' troops. The emperor personally led them to attack Ying Bu.
42
十二年冬十月，上破布軍于會缶，布走，令別將追之。
In the tenth month, winter, of the twelfth year, the emperor broke Ying Bu's army at Huifu. Ying Bu fled, and the emperor ordered separate generals to pursue him.
43
上還，過沛，留，置酒沛宮，悉召故人父老子弟佐酒。 發沛中兒得百二十人，教之歌。 酒酣，上擊筑，自歌曰：「大風起兮雲飛揚，威加海內兮歸故鄉，安得猛士兮守四方！」 令兒皆和習之。 上乃起舞，忼慨傷懷，泣數行下。 謂沛父兄曰：「游子悲故鄉。 吾雖都關中，萬歲之後吾魂魄猶思樂沛。 且朕自沛公以誅暴逆，遂有天下，其以沛為朕湯沐邑，復其民，世世無有所與。」 沛父老諸母故人日樂飲極歡，道舊故為笑樂。 十餘日，上欲去，沛父兄固請。 上曰：「吾人眾多，父兄不能給。」 乃去。 沛中空縣皆之邑西獻。 上留止，張飲三日。 沛父兄皆頓首曰：「沛幸得復，豐未得，唯陛下哀矜。」 上曰：「豐者，吾所生長，極不忘耳。 吾特以其為雍齒故反我為魏。」 沛父兄固請之，乃并復豐，比沛。
The emperor returned, passing through Pei. He stayed and held a banquet in the Pei palace, summoning all his old friends, elders, and young men to assist at the feast. He selected 120 boys from Pei and taught them to sing. When the wine was flowing freely, the emperor struck the zhu and sang himself: "A great wind rises, the clouds fly high; my might covers all within the seas, and I return to my old home. How can I obtain fierce warriors to guard the four directions!" He commanded all the boys to sing in harmony and practice it. The emperor then began to dance, sighing deeply and grieving in his heart, tears flowing down in streams. He said to the Pei fathers and brothers: "A traveler grieves for his old home. Though I establish my capital in Guanzhong, after ten thousand years my soul will still long to enjoy Pei. Moreover, from the time when I was Lord of Pei, I punished the violent and rebellious and so obtained the world. Make Pei my bathing town and exempt its people, generation after generation, from all levies." The Pei elders and mothers, old friends daily enjoyed drinking to the utmost happiness, spoke of old matters and made merry. After more than ten days, the emperor wanted to leave. The Pei fathers and brothers firmly requested him to stay. The emperor said: "My retinue is numerous. Fathers and brothers cannot supply it." So he left. All the empty counties in Pei went to the western outskirts to present tribute. The emperor stayed and stopped, feasting for three days. The fathers and elder brothers of Pei all bowed their heads and said: "Pei has been fortunate enough to receive exemption, but Feng has not. We only beg Your Majesty to pity it." The emperor said: "Feng is where I grew up. I cannot forget it extremely. I especially because it was for Yong Chi's sake that they rebelled against me for Wei." The Pei fathers and brothers firmly requested it. So he also exempted Feng, equal to Pei.
44
漢別將擊布軍洮水南北，皆大破之，追斬布番陽。
Han separate generals attacked Ying Bu's army north and south of Tao River. All greatly defeated them and pursued, beheading Ying Bu at Fanyang.
45
周勃定代，斬陳豨於當城。
Zhou Bo pacified Dai and beheaded Chen Xi at Dangcheng.
46
詔曰：「吳，古之建國也，日者荊王兼有其地，今死亡後。 朕欲復立吳王，其議可者。」 長沙王臣等言：「沛侯濞重厚，請立為吳王。」 已拜，上召謂濞曰：「汝狀有反相。」 因拊其背，曰：「漢後五十年東南有亂，豈汝邪？ 然天下同姓一家，汝慎毋反。」 濞頓首曰：「不敢。」
The edict said: "Wu is an ancient established state. Previously King Jing combined and had its territory. Now after his death. I wish to re-establish the King of Wu. Discuss who is suitable." King Changsha and others said: "Marquis of Pei Liu Bi is substantial and sincere. Please establish him as King of Wu." Already enfeoffed, the emperor summoned and said to Liu Bi: "Your appearance has the look of rebellion." So he patted his back and said: "Fifty years after Han, there will be disorder in the southeast. Will it be you? However, the world of the same surname is one family. You be careful not to rebel." Liu Bi bowed his head and said: "I dare not."
47
十一月，行自淮南還。 過魯，以大牢祠孔子。
In the eleventh month, he traveled from Huainan back. Passing through Lu, he sacrificed to Confucius with a greater sheep offering.
48
十二月，詔曰：「秦皇帝、楚隱王、魏安釐王、齊愍王、趙悼襄王皆絕亡後。 其與秦始皇帝守冢二十家，楚、魏、齊各十家，趙及魏公子亡忌各五家，令視其冢，復亡與它事。」 陳豨降將言豨反時燕王盧綰使人之豨所陰謀。 上使辟陽侯審食其迎綰，綰稱疾。 食其言綰反有端。 春二月，使樊噲、周勃將兵擊綰。 詔曰：「燕王綰與吾有故，愛之如子，聞與陳豨有謀，吾以為亡有，故使人迎綰。 綰稱疾不來，謀反明矣。 燕吏民非有罪也，賜其吏六百石以上爵各一級。 與綰居，去來歸者，赦之，加爵亦一級。」 詔諸侯王議可立為燕王者，長沙王臣等請立子建為燕王。
In the twelfth month, the edict said: "The First Emperor of Qin, King Yin of Chu, King Anli of Wei, King Min of Qi, and King Daoxiang of Zhao all have lineages without descendants. Assign twenty households to the tomb of the First Emperor of Qin, ten households each to Chu, Wei, and Qi, and five households each to Zhao and Prince Wuji of Wei, to oversee their tombs and be exempt from other service." Chen Xi's surrendering generals said that when Xi rebelled, King Yan Lu Wan sent people to Xi's place with secret plots. The emperor sent Marquis Piyang Shen Shiqi to welcome Lu Wan. Lu Wan claimed illness. Shiqi said Lu Wan had signs of rebellion. In the second month of spring, he sent Fan Kuai and Zhou Bo to lead troops to attack Lu Wan. The edict said: "King Lu Wan of Yan has old ties with me. I loved him like a son. When I heard that he had plotted with Chen Xi, I thought there was nothing to it, and so I sent people to welcome Lu Wan. Lu Wan claimed illness and did not come. His rebellion is clear. Yan officials and people have no crime. Grant officials of 600 piculs and above each one rank. Those who lived with Lu Wan and come and go returning, pardon them, add one rank also." He commanded the feudal kings to discuss who could be established as King of Yan. The King of Changsha and others requested that his son Jian be established as King of Yan.
49
詔曰：「南武侯織亦粵之世也，立以為南海王。」 三月，詔曰：「吾立為天子，帝有天下，十二年于今矣。 與天下之豪士賢大夫共定天下，同安輯之。 其有功者上致之王，次為列侯，下乃食邑。 而重臣之親，或為列侯，皆令自置吏，得賦斂，女子公主。 為列侯食邑者，皆佩之印，賜大第室。 吏二千石，徙之長安，受小第室。 入蜀漢定三秦者，皆世世復。 吾於天下賢士功臣，可謂亡負矣。 其有不義背天子擅起兵者，與天下共伐誅之。 布告天下，使明知朕意。」
The edict said: "Marquis Nanwu Zhao Zhi is also of Yue lineage. Establish him as King of Nanhai." In the third month, the edict said: "I was established as Son of Heaven and have ruled the world as emperor for twelve years now. Together with the world's heroic scholars and worthy grandees I pacified the world and jointly settled it. Those who have merit, the highest become kings, next become marquises, lowest receive fiefs. While the close relatives of heavy ministers, some become marquises, all are commanded to appoint their own officials, able to collect taxes, marry princesses. Those who are marquises with fiefs, all wear the seal, granted great mansions. Officials of two thousand piculs, move them to Chang'an, receive small mansions. Those who entered Shu and Han and pacified the three Qins, all have hereditary exemptions. I can say I have not failed the world's worthy scholars and meritorious ministers. If any unrighteous person turns his back on the Son of Heaven and presumptuously raises troops, the world shall join together to attack and execute him. Proclaim to the world, so they clearly know my intention."
50
上擊布時，為流矢所中，行道疾。 疾甚，呂后迎良醫。 醫入見，上問醫。 曰：「疾可治。」 於是上嫚罵之，曰：「吾以布衣提三尺取天下，此非天命乎？ 命乃在天，雖扁鵲何益！」 遂不使治疾，賜黃金五十斤，罷之。 呂后問曰：「陛下百歲後，蕭相國既死，誰令代之？」 上曰：「曹參可。」 問其次，曰：「
When the emperor attacked Ying Bu, he was struck by a stray arrow, and traveling the road he became ill. The illness was severe. Empress Lü welcomed good physicians. The physician entered to see him. The emperor questioned the physician. He said: "The illness can be cured." So the emperor insulted him, saying: "I from commoner status, wielding a three-foot sword took the world. Is this not Heaven's mandate? The mandate is in Heaven. Though Bian Que came, what benefit!" So he did not have him treat the illness, granted fifty jin of gold, and dismissed him. Empress Lü asked: "After Your Majesty reaches a hundred years, when Chancellor Xiao dies, who should replace him?" The emperor said: "Cao Shen is suitable." Asked about the next, he said: "
51
王陵可，然少戇，陳平可以助之。 陳平知有餘，然難獨任。 周勃重厚少文，然安劉氏者必勃也，可令為太尉。」 呂后復問其次，上曰：「此後亦非乃所知也。」
Wang Ling is suitable, but he is somewhat blunt; Chen Ping can assist him. Chen Ping has more than enough wisdom, but it is difficult to entrust him alone. Zhou Bo is steady and substantial but short on refinement. Yet the man who will secure the Liu clan must be Bo. He can be made Grand Marshal." Empress Lü asked about the next. The emperor said: "This after is also not what you know."
52
盧綰與數千人居塞下候伺，幸上疾愈，自入謝。 夏四月甲辰，帝崩于長樂宮。 盧綰聞之，遂亡入匈奴。
Lu Wan with several thousand men dwelt below the frontier watching and waiting, hoping the emperor's illness would improve, personally entering to apologize. In the fourth month of summer on the day jiachen, the emperor passed away in Changlegong Palace. Lu Wan heard of it and fled into the Xiongnu.
53
呂后與審食其謀曰：「諸將故與帝為編戶民，北面為臣，心常鞅鞅，今乃事少主，非盡族是，天下不安。」 以故不發喪。 人或聞，以語酈商。 酈商見審食其曰：「聞帝已崩，四日不發喪，欲誅諸將。 誠如此，天下危矣。 陳平、灌嬰將十萬守滎陽，樊噲、周勃將二十萬定燕代，此聞帝崩，諸將皆誅，必連兵還鄉，以攻關中。 大臣內畔，諸將外反，亡可蹻足待也。」 審食其入言之，乃以丁未發喪，大赦天下。
Empress Lu plotted with Shen Yiji: "The generals were formerly registered commoners together with the emperor; they faced north and became subjects, but their hearts have always been resentful. Now they are to serve a young ruler. Unless their clans are exterminated, the world will not be at peace." Therefore they did not announce the death. Someone heard and told Ji Shang. Ji Shang saw Shen Shiqi and said: "Heard the emperor has passed away. Four days without announcing death, wanting to execute the generals. If truly so, the world is in danger. Chen Ping and Guan Ying are leading 100,000 men guarding Xingyang, and Fan Kuai and Zhou Bo are leading 200,000 pacifying Yan and Dai. If they hear that the emperor has died and that the generals are all being executed, they will surely join forces and return home to attack Guanzhong. Ministers rebel internally, generals revolt externally. There will be no time to even stamp one's foot." Shen Shiqi entered and spoke of it. So on the day dingwei they announced the death and granted a great amnesty to the world.
54
五月丙寅，葬長陵。 已下，皇太子群臣皆反至太上皇廟。 群臣曰：「帝起細微，撥亂世反之正，平定天下，為漢太祖，功最高。」 上尊號曰高皇帝。
In the fifth month on the day bingyin, buried at Changling. After descending, the imperial crown prince and ministers all returned to the Taishang Huang temple. The ministers said: "The emperor rose from humble origins, set the chaotic age back on the right path, pacified the world, and became the Grand Progenitor of Han. His merit is the highest." They honored him with the title Gao Huangdi.
55
初，高祖不脩文學，而性明達，好謀，能聽，自監門戍卒，見之如舊。 初順民心作三章之約。 天下既定，命蕭何次律令，韓信申軍法，張蒼定章程，叔孫通制禮儀，陸賈造新語。 又與功臣剖符作誓，丹書鐵契，金匱石室，藏之宗廟。 雖日不暇給，規摹弘遠矣。 贊曰：春秋晉史蔡墨有言，陶唐氏既衰，其後有劉累，學擾龍，事孔甲，范氏其後也。 而大夫范宣子亦曰：「祖自虞以上為陶唐氏，在夏為御龍氏，在商為豕韋氏，在周為唐杜氏，晉主夏盟為范氏。」 范氏為晉士師，魯文公世奔秦。 後歸于晉，其處者為劉氏。 劉向云戰國時劉氏自秦獲於魏。 秦滅魏，遷大梁，都于豐，故周巿說雍齒曰「豐，故梁徙也」。 是以頌高祖云：「漢帝本系，出自唐帝。 降及于周，在秦作劉。 涉魏而東，遂為豐公。」 豐公，蓋太上皇父。 其遷日淺，墳墓在豐鮮焉。 及高祖即位，置祠祀官，則有秦、晉、梁、荊之巫，世祠天地，綴之以祀，豈不信哉！ 由是推之，漢承堯運，德祚已盛，斷蛇著符，旗幟上赤，協于火德，自然之應，得天統矣。
Initially, Gaozu did not cultivate letters and learning, but by nature he was clear and perceptive, fond of strategy, and able to listen. From gatekeepers to garrison soldiers, when he met people he treated them like old acquaintances. Initially he followed the people's hearts and made the three chapter covenant. After the world was settled, he commanded Xiao He to arrange the statutes and commands, Han Xin to explain military law, Zhang Cang to establish procedures, Shusun Tong to create rituals and ceremonies, Lu Jia to compose new discourses. He also divided tallies with the meritorious ministers and made oaths, writing in red on iron contracts, placing them in gold caskets and stone chambers, and storing them in the ancestral temple. Though days were not sufficient, his plans were broad and far-reaching. The appraisal says: Cai Mo, the Jin historian of the Spring and Autumn period, once said that after the House of Taotang declined, there was Liu Lei, who studied dragon-taming and served Kong Jia, and that the House of Fan descended from him. Grandee Fan Xuanzi also said: "From the time of Yu and earlier, our ancestors were the House of Taotang; in Xia they were the Dragon-Taming clan; in Shang they were the Shiwei clan; in Zhou they were the Tangdu clan; and in Jin, when they presided over the Xia covenant, they were the Fan clan." The Fan clan served as judicial minister of Jin; in the era of Duke Wen of Lu they fled to Qin. Later they returned to Jin, and those who remained there became the Liu clan. Liu Xiang said that in the Warring States period the Liu clan was captured from Qin by Wei. When Qin destroyed Wei, it transferred the people of Daliang and made their capital at Feng; therefore Zhou Shi said to Yong Chi: "Feng is where Liang moved its seat." Hence in praising Gaozu it is said: "The imperial lineage of Han issues from the Emperor of Tang. Descending to Zhou, in Qin they became Liu. Crossing Wei and going east, they thus became Lord of Feng." Lord of Feng — that is, the father of the Grand Emperor Father. Since the move had been recent, his tomb was still fresh at Feng. When Gaozu took the throne, he established sacrificial officials; there were shamans of Qin, Jin, Liang, and Jing who had sacrificed to Heaven and Earth for generations, and these were joined to the rites. Is this not credible! From this it follows that Han inherited Yao's cycle; its virtue and fortune were already flourishing. The severed serpent displayed the sign, the banners above were red, and in accord with the virtue of Fire, as a natural response, Han obtained Heaven's lineal succession.